President Kenyatta leads country in mourning victims of Naivasha tragedy

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday led the country in mourning the 33 victims, including 11 General Service Officers (GSU), of the horrific fire tragedy at Naivasha along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the president condoled with the bereaved families, while also wishing the injured a quick recovery.

Also Read: Ten striking nurses recalled to work in wake of Naivasha tragedy

“The president’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives. He joins all Kenyans in praying for the families affected, that they have the strength to overcome this tragedy,” read the statement in part.

Former Prime Minister and CORD leader Raila Odinga also sent his condolences message regretting the lives lost.

“Our country has woken up to the terrible news of tens of lives lost on the road in Naivasha last night in what is one of the most horrific accidents this year,” said Mr Odinga in his statement.

While visiting the scene of the accident Deputy President William Ruto condoled with the bereaved families and urged drivers to exercise caution while on the roads, especially during this festive season.

Ruto disclosed the government’s plans to expedite the construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway into a dual carriage road in order to avert the frequent accidents on the road.

The deputy president urged Rift Valley Region Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo to work closely the affected families and Naivasha Sub-County hospital to help them cope with the loss.

Meanwhile, the Council of Governors (CoG) sent a consolation message to the affected families.

In a statement to newsrooms, CoG Chairman and Meru Governor Peter Munya said: “It’s with great sorrow and shock that I have learned of the tragedy that occurred on Saturday 10th December 2016 at Karai, Naivasha.”

Chief Justice David Maraga, on behalf of members of the judiciary, said he was saddened by “such large-scale loss of life and injuries”, noting that the incident was avoidable.

Machakos County Governor Dr Alfred Mutua took to twitter to condole with the affected families, relatives and friends saying: “My Sincere condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones at the Naivasha fire accident last night”.

Mombasa County governor Hassan Joho also mourned the lost lives and wished those recuperating in hospitals a quick recovery.

“My deepest condolences to the families & friends who lost their loved ones in the grievous #NaivashaTragedy. To the injured a fast recovery,” said Governor Joho on his twitter account.

Kenyans took to social media to express their condolences to the bereaved and affected.

Victor Matara ‏through twitter account @victormatara  mourned the loss: “Very sad to hear about this terrible Naivasha accident. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the affected passengers.”

Atanas via account ‏@atanasi_ urged the government to swing into action to avert frequent accidents that occur along Nairobi-Eldoret road: “Eldoret – Nakuru – Naivasha – Nairobi road is one of the deadliest highways in Africa, lives lost along this road should worry our govt.”

Githînji wá Múhoro™ using account ‏@patrickgithinji urged authorities to train bodaboda operators on how to respond to emergencies arguing that they are always the first batch to arrive to emergency scenes.

“Bodaboda guys everywhere should be trained on giving emergency first aid. They’re always the first 2 arrive at an accident scene (sic),” he said.